New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-01-24
PETEyUF REELECTION.


Attention is constantly directed by Washing
ton dispatches to the measure which Mr. ian
dali and his Democratic associates are preparing
for the reduction of revenue. The gentlemen
who are engaged in this work do not seem 10
understand why Republican journals manifest
comparatively little interest in their proceed
ings. Yet the explanation Is one which should
not be beyond their perception. MI. Randall
and his friends claim to belong to the Demo-
cratic party. That party has control of the
executive departments, but they do not favor
Mr.. Randalls plans. The same party has
large majority in the House. but about four
fifths Of the Democrats in that body favor
policy which Mr.. Randall opposes In this
matter, therefore, he represents. not the party
In power, but only o rebelliOus fragment there
of, which would be voted down and completely
crushed were it not for the steadfast opposition
of Republicans to tree-trade legislation.
If any measure is to be adopted for reduction
of the revenue, it is eminently proper that
those who are to furnish more than three quar-
tiers of the necessary votes should have some
thing to say about the form. It is not to be ex-
pected that they will suffer Mr.. Randall to claim
for himself the exclusive credit of q measure
which they feel willing TO support, nor Is 1t TO
be expected that they will surrender their own
convictions, as to the KIND of measure proper
to be adopted. at Mr.. RandalPs desire. Mr..
Randall and his friends are tine smallest OF
three parties in the House. If he were disposed
to be called Republican, he would be entitled
to voice in Republican councils, but not there
to a controlling voice. He chooses to call him
self Democrat, and aids Democrats IN every
campaign to the extent OF his ability. lie
avows that he opposes the free trade measures
favored by most OF his party because those
measures would be fatal TO that partys success
He maintains that his peculiar course is neces-
sary to save the Democratic party from over
whelming defeat. Under these circumstances.
it is not exactly modest for HIM to expect Re-
publicans to be used for the furtherance of his
schemes.
Between him and the Republican members.
moreover, there Is a radical difference of opin-
ion. Mr.. Randall proposes. either because he
wishes to court the free trade sentiment in his
party, or because he is In convection hostile to
protective principles, to take out OF TIE tariff
protective features which Republican Con-
crosses have adopted and maintained. In all
his proposed measures additions to the free list
form conspicuous part. The Republicans are
convinced of the soundness and wisdom of the
course they have pursued for the past quarter
of a century. Mr.. Randall misses no Opportu-
nifty to assail that course. They hold that the
marvellous prosperity which rises from great
depression in spite of the burden Of Demo-
cratic Administration and Democratic Con-
Qress is in great measure due to the Republican
system of taxation which Mr.. Randall con-
stantly decries and proclaims his desire to
change. Believing In that policy sincerely,
holding it magnifcently indicated by its re-
suits, Republicans do not intend to leave to
any section of it's foes the task OF modifying or
changingit. If a protective tariff is to be altered
at all, they hold, the work should be directed in
every detail by friends of that system, and not
by its foes.
The Republicans have offered measures some
of which will certainly command more votes
by far than any Mr.. Randall can frame. The
one offered by Mr. HiscOck for example, if not
In all particulars approved by all Republicans.
would certainly receive the support OF more
than twice as many members as Mr.. Randall
led at the last decisive vote. 1t Is fitting that
these members should have an opportunity to
bring to a vote in the House bill which repre-.
sents their convictions, before any smaller
minority in that body comes forward with
propositions. The Republicans may unite upon
Mr. Hiscock's bill with some notifications or
they may prefer some other, but they certainly
should lose no time in striving to agree upon
that OF some other measure of kindred char
acter. If they do so, Mr.. Randall and his
friends ought to feel that this large body of
members has a right to present its plan to the
House and to get direct vote thereon, without
impeachment from him or his friends. SO far as
he agrees with the Republicans in seeking re-
duction of taxation without the prostratiOn of
home industry. he can act cordially with them.
If he chooses to dissent at any point, he will
then have abundant opportunity to place HIM
self on the record with his associates and to
appeal to the people for support.